We were a group of six, traveling to Anchorage for the embarkation in Whittier. We stayed at the Springhill Suites (Midtown) and were very pleased with the choice. They had a shuttle that picked us up at the airport and took us back and forth to the Egan Center, as that is not only the place for embarkation, but downtown is easily navigated from there. The staff at the Springhill was very friendly and helpful. It is extremely clean and we would stay there again. While in Anchorage we took the city trolley tour that we enjoyed learning more about Anchorage history. We ate at the Moose's Tooth, a local brewery, where we had great pizza and beer. Also had a great lunch at Humpy's downtown and dinner at Snow Goose was delicious.

I had been apprehensive about the process of embarkation, but it was totally pain free! The hotel shuttle took us to the Egan Center, where there was a large room that was desinated for our cruise to meet and leave our luggage. We were there about 11 a.m. and our motorcoach transfer was scheduled for 1 p.m. A couple of us stayed there at a table where we left our computers and small carry-ons and a couple of us wandered around to a couple of more shops in the area, stopping at Starbuck's and a deli. The ride to Whittier was very comfortable and we enjoyed the scenery. It was about an hour and a half ride. Embarkation onto the ship was a breeze...no stops at all in line. Our luggage was waiting for us at our cabins. I must say that many have commented on personnel trying to sell coffee/drink cards, etc., but we had none of that. The entire week we never felt pressure to purchase anything. Even in the lounges we didn't feel that we had to buy drinks while enjoying the entertainment.

Our cabins were great...yes, the showers are small, but that was expected. We stowed luggage under the beds and had enough room in the drawers for all our belongings. Since we had adjoining cabins, our balcony doors stayed open during the day, and we closed them at night, for a little more quiet. Read more